Archive | North America

A new publication from Kansas State University in the United States, Stored Product Protection, has been lauded the “most comprehensive manual on stored product protection in the world”. The book contains 350 pages and 31 chapters of information and resources for individuals involved in grain storage, commodity management, food storing and processing, and other related […]

A United States government official says solving postharvest loss requires investment and scaling up of technologies, as well as cooperation between sectors. http://editorials.voa.gov/content/postharvest-development-josefernandez/1619843.html

The ADM Institute is dedicated to engaging students in its work as an information hub. Throughout the academic year, the institute supports a variety of educational opportunities and efforts, including academic programs abroad. Currently, six undergraduate students from the College of Agriculture and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois are spending a semester at […]

University of Kentucky researchers are currently working to reduce postharvest losses in Ghana and Nigeria. They have hosted workshops in the regions since 2009, and recently wrote a report for the US Department of Agriculture. https://www.engineeringforchange.org/news/2013/03/06/mud_brick_and_wood_storehouses_save_grain_after_the_harvest.html

FAO reports improved conditions as world food prices stabilized in January and crop outputs are expected to be favorable in 2013. The UN agency also reports that unexpected weather changes could pose serious risks as global reserves remain tight. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/07/us-food-fao-idUSBRE9160A220130207

The United States Feed the Future program is co-financing the construction of new warehouses in northern regions of Ghana and is also training farmers on warehouse management. USAID and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa are partners on the project. http://www.feedthefuture.gov/article/new-warehouses-will-improve-grain-storage-ghana

Canada launched national standards for grain biodiversity that are meant to manage the risk of plant pests and disease. The voluntary standards include guidelines for safe handling, transport, and use of equipment. Opinions on voluntary status of standards vary. http://www.betterfarming.com/online-news/standards-need-remain-voluntary-industry-reps-caution-11775

Canada launched national standards for grain biodiversity that are meant to manage the risk of plant pests and disease. The voluntary standards include guidelines for safe handling, transport, and use of equipment. Opinions on voluntary status of standards vary. http://www.grainews.ca/news/national-grains-biosecurity-standard-launched/1002112717/

At a recent State Department forum event, when asked why reduction projects aren’t operating up to scale, panelists answered there is a lack of attention and a lack of money. Discussions included the need for more private incentives. http://www.agweek.com/event/article/id/20610/

Undersecretary Robert Hormats of the Department of State says loss can be reduced through the development and dissemination of appropriate technologies, and by the adoption of policies and incentives for investment in postharvest infrastructure. Hormats anticipates food preservation to be a topic of discussion in the G8’s meeting in Northern Ireland in June. http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2013/02/20130226143046.html#axzz2Mc5L0RHu http://www.indepthnews.info/index.php/global-issues/1461-battle-against-post-harvest-losses-can-be-won […]